It appears like Sheffield Wednesday’s pursuit of a free agency striker has come to an abrupt halt.
Sheffield Wednesday looked desperate to add a new forward to their ranks during the January transfer window, with Anthony Musaba the only player who is yet to reach five goals for the season.
The Owls threw everything at signing Orlando City’s Duncan McGuire, but eventually missed out as Blackburn Rovers appeared to win the race for his signature. However, an admin error eventually forced him back to the MLS after the deadline had passed.
Since Danny Rohl‘s side failed to sign a new striker, the German manager had explained that the club could look to the free agent market. As a result, reports had linked Sheffield Wednesday with a move for Dwight Gayle, who has recently been released by Stoke City.
The Owls don’t seem to have made a move for Gayle yet though, and they now look set to miss out to Derby County.
According to BBC Derby journalist Dominic Dietrich, the Rams are in ‘extended talks’ to sign the 34-year-old on a free transfer.
James Collins, Derby’s first-choice striker, is likely to be out for several months, and the team is keen to find a replacement as they aim to earn automatic promotion to the Championship.
Should Sheffield Wednesday have tried to sign Dwight Gayle?
Sheffield Wednesday surely weren’t that keen on signing Dwight Gayle given how long they have had to make a concrete move for him.
The veteran has an impressive past record in the Championship, but his recent failed spell at the bet365 Stadium probably makes it less tempting for Danny Rohl’s side.
The former Newcastle United attacker has 62 goals in 145 appearances in the Championship over his career – notably bagging 23 in only 32 games for the Magpies, as well as 24 in 40 matches for West Brom during the 2018-19 season.
However, he only managed three goals in 45 league appearances for Stoke before he was let go earlier this year.
It is a solid signing for a League One club, but maybe too risky for Sheffield Wednesday.
Though now the Yorkshire outfit have no option but to rely on their own struggling forwards, while perhaps Gayle would have been a risk worth taking if he had scored a few vital goals to keep them in the second tier.
